All Are Welcome to Learn at CBS University!
Jewish learning lasts a lifetime…
At Congregation Beth Shalom we believe that learning is a lifelong journey. Our Adult Education program called CBS Univeristy offers meaningful opportunities for exploration, growth, and connection through Jewish learning. Whether you’re deepening your knowledge of sacred texts, engaging with contemporary issues through a Jewish lens, or simply seeking community and conversation, we invite you to join us in thoughtful, enriching study.
To meet the needs of our constituents we offer classes on a variety of days and times, as well as in person and many via Zoom. While we love being able to “come to you” if you can’t come to us, please remember that there is no substitution for learning in person.
You can scroll below for our upcoming/current classes.
To learn more about CBS University at Congregation Beth Shalom, or about the Adult Education Committee, please contact Audrey Taxer either via e-mail or by calling Congregation Beth Shalom at 847-498-4100 ext. 145.
Join Carl Schrag as we explore the complexities, history, culture and current events of Israel in this thought-provoking class. Join us on Sundays at 8:45 am for Minyan, stay for breakfast sponsored by Men’s Club and then join us for this engaging program at 10:00 am.
September 14 – Abraham Accords 2.0
What would it mean for more countries to join the Abraham Accords? Would Israel finally be admitted to the “new” Middle East? What would the “price of admission” be for such an expanded network of normalization? Israel
April 19 – Topic TBD
May 3 – Topic TBD
Each session will have a separate registration form. Topics to be discussed are subject to change depending on the current situation in Israel.
Register Here – Israel in Depth – Sept
Dive into the richness of the Hebrew Bible in this engaging and accessible Tanakh class. Together, we will study selections from Torah, Prophets, and Writings, examining the historical context, literary structure, and enduring themes of each text. With commentary from traditional and modern scholars, we will explore how these ancient stories continue to shape Jewish thought, ethics, and identity today. All are welcome—no prior knowledge of Hebrew or Jewish texts required!
Class will meet in person and via Zoom. Text
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman and Cantor Steven Stoehr |
| Dates: | Mondays 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15 |
| Time: | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members, $50 per person per semester for non-member Friends of CBS |
This weekly discussion-based class zooms in on local, national, and global news through a distinctly Jewish lens. We’ll talk about politics, Israel, antisemitism, anti-Zionism, rifts in our Jewish community, local and global Jewish affairs, campus life, and the intersection between these topics and more. Carl Schrag, who was the Editor of the Jerusalem Post, brings a journalist’s probing questions to every topic.
Class will meet in person and via Zoom. Israel
| Instructor: | Carl Schrag |
| Date: | Tuesdays 8/12, 8/19, 9/9, 9/16, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16 |
| Time: | 10:30 – 11:30 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per person per semester for non-member Friends of CBS |
Whether you want to learn more about Jewish culture, are considering converting to Judaism, or are eager to bring more Jewish into your life, The Miller Intro to Judaism Program is for you.
The Miller Intro to Judaism Program is an 18-week course that provides fundamental knowledge, practical skills, and clarifying insights into Jewish culture. No matter your age or background, everyone is welcome to join Intro to Judaism and learn about the Torah and Judaism’s many rituals, values, and holidays. Each cohort will explore Judaism’s past, present, and future with guidance from the CBS clergy. Consider taking this Jewish class to learn more.
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman, Cantor Steven Stoehr and Rabbi Jacki Honig |
| Date: | 8/12, 8/19, 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 1/6/26, 1/13, 1/20 |
| Time: | 8:15 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $180 for non-member Friends of CBS |
At this start of this new year, dive into a variety of ideas about ubiquitous parts of our Jewish life. Each week we’ll journey through an area of Jewish life and unpack our feelings, learn new sources, and walk away with some new idea or commitment for our practice. Come as you are with your previous notions, your open mind and your open heart!
This class will meet in person only with limited space available. Life and Living
| Instructor: | Rabbi Jacki Honig |
| Date: | Tuesdays 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18 |
| Time: | 6:30 – 7:30 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $10 per class for non-member Friends of CBS |
New! Parshat HaShavuah
Come encounter each week’s parsha (weekly Torah reading) as we start our Torah reading cycle over again in the beginning with Bereshit (Genesis). We will look at big narratives, small moments, individual characters, family narratives, the good, the bad, and everything in-between. All texts will be offered in translation and no prior knowledge of the parsha or Hebrew is necessary – come as you are! Text
| Instructor: | Rabbi Jacki Honig |
| Date: | Wednesdays 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 |
| Time: | 10:00 – 11:00 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $10 per class for non-member Friends of CBS |
Join us as Judy prepares her Fall Favorites. Two sessions will be offered, both classes will be exactly the same.
Class will take place at Judy’s home. Space is limited minium of 8 maximum of 16.
| Instructor: | Judy Wolkin |
| Date: | Wednesday November 5 or 12 |
| Time: | 7:00 – 9:00 pm |
| Fee: | $36 per person |
If you haven’t tried this class yet, and have been looking at it for awhile, NOW is the time . . . REGISTER! Through slow movements, improve your health, concentration, digestion, balance, flexibility, and overall health. Our class can be done in a chair or standing. If you are not free at this time, no problem! REGISTER and watch the video you will receive following class and do it when you have time.
Class will meet via Zoom only: Life and Living
| Instructor: | Allison Deputy, MoonWillow Tai Chi |
| Date: | Thursdays 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 |
| Time: | 9:30 – 10:15 am |
| Fee: | No fee; donation strongly encouraged |
Whether you are a beginning Hebrew reader or would just like a refresher. Join Susan as she uses our new prayer book Siddur Lev Shalem to teach you Hebrew and get you familiar with the prayers.
* if you would like to stay for the continuing class you may do so.
This class will meet in person only. Text and Language
| Instructor: | Susan Stoehr |
| Date: | Thursdays 9/4, 9/18, 9/25, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 |
| Time: | 10:30 am – 11:00 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $150 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
Whether you are a beginning Hebrew reader or would just like a refresher. Join Susan as she uses our new prayer book Siddur Lev Shalem to teach you Hebrew and get you familiar with the prayers.
This class will meet in person only. * if you would like to join us to practice your reading in the beginning class you may do so. Text and Language
| Instructor: | Susan Stoehr |
| Date: | Thursdays 9/4, 9/18, 9/25, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 |
| Time: | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $10 per class for non-member friends of CBS |
3433 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-4100 |
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm